For decades, it's been an oasis of agricultural land at the intersection of Interstate 64 and the Watterson Expressway. But the family trusts that control Oxmoor Farm may be reviving long-delayed plans to develop what is perhaps the most desirable acreage in Louisville. More >>

For decades, it's been an oasis of agricultural land at the intersection of Interstate 64 and the Watterson Expressway. But the family trusts that control Oxmoor Farm may be reviving long-delayed plans to develop what is perhaps the most desirable acreage in Louisville. More >>

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The McCullough Pike bridge over Brown Station Way in Clarksville is a critical link to New Albany.

It's used by an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 cars each day. Next spring, it will be rebuilt thanks to a $1 million gift from the state.

"It is important for their safety and well-being that they have a great crossing to use," said Clark County Commissioner Jack Coffman.

The money is part of $160 million the state is handing out as part of the Community Crossings grant fund state lawmakers established this year. INDOT commissioner Brandye Hendrickson says it's a continuation of Indiana's commitment to infrastructure that's been virtually unequaled in the last decade, projects that have included the Ohio River bridges.

"We've seen first-hand the impact of investing in infrastructure on community development and job growth," Hendrickson said. "Community crossings is a way to leverage state funds to help cities, towns and counties across the state achieve infrastructure upgrades that can have the same transformative effect at the local level."

Jeffersonville is also getting a $1 million of that money. There, it will be used to improve a part of Tenth Street that will soon be the site of a major retail development.

"No longer will you have to cross the river to go shopping at a department store," Jeffersonville Mayor Mike Moore said. "No longer will you have to go on the other side of (I-65) to eat at a restaurant."

These grants do have some strings. Communities have to provide an equal amount of funding to be spent to improve roads and bridges.

"It shows that communities are investing in infrastructure to build the types of neighborhoods where people want to start businesses, grow businesses, and live and work," Hendrickson said.

Among the other area communities getting Community Crossings funds, Clark County, Floyd County, Charlestown, New Albany, Scott County and Scottsburg will each see $1 million. Seymour is getting $960,000.